Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 13:1-5

"Now there were some present at that very season who told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered and said unto them, Think ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they have suffered these things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." — Luke 13:1-5 (ASV)

Christ was informed about the death of some Galileans. This tragic story is briefly recounted here and is not mentioned by historians. In Christ's reply, He spoke of another event that, similarly, provided an instance of people taken away by sudden death.

Towers, built for safety, often prove to be people's destruction. He cautioned His hearers not to blame those who suffer greatly, as if they were therefore to be considered great sinners.

Since no place or employment can protect us from the stroke of death, we should consider the sudden deaths of others as warnings to ourselves. For these reasons, Christ established His call to repentance. The same Jesus who urges us to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, urges us to repent, for otherwise we shall perish.